GARETH Southgate is expected to name the same starting XI for the third successive match tomorrow.

Gianfranco Zola’s West Ham visit the Riverside and the Boro boss is poised to keep faith with the side that came within a last gasp equaliser of winning at Blackburn and overcame Manchester City.

The central midfield partnership of Didier Digard and Gary O’Neil is unlikely to be split up, especially as Mohamed Shawky will be out for three weeks with a thigh injury and Julio Arca is still building up his fitness after a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

It’s touch and go whether Justin Hoyte (hip) will be declared fit to join up with the matchday squad, though Southgate will be happy to stick with David Wheater after his fine display against Robinho.

Mido faces a late fitness test on a troublesome groin injury.

Southgate doesn’t want his players to rest on the laurels of Wednesday’s win.

He said: “We’ve taken seven points from the last four games and that’s crucial. The players needed to give a performance on Wednesday which gave them belief that we can play well at home, score late goals and keep a clean sheet, so there are lots of positives to take into the weekend.

“But the key will be whether we can create an atmosphere here of understanding that we’re coming off a huge high and we’re going to be expected to go and win the West Ham game. If the fans can stay with us, it could be a significant result tomorrow.”